BJP combine wins Khadakwasla by-polls; NCP loses face

BJP combine wins Khadakwasla by-polls; NCP loses face

In a huge embarrassment to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar, the United Progressive Alliance has lost the Khadakwasla assembly seat which had witnessed a by-election on October 13.

The by-election to this seat was necessitated by the death of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena MLA Ramesh Wanjale who died in June 2011.

With MNS chief Raj Thackeray not showing any inclination to field Wanjale's widow Harshada, Ajit Pawar convinced her to contest the elections on a NCP ticket.

The crucial role of Raj Thackeray

Besides the anti-incumbency, the factors that went against the NCP include MNS chief Raj Thackeray withdrawing from the contest when Harshada Wanjale announced her plans to fight the elections on a NCP ticket.

Though Thackeray attributed his move to honour the memory of Ramesh Wanjale, the move resulted in sense of distrust developing against Wanjale's widow by her husband's trusted aides and voters.

The NCP-Congress vote base was divided as local Congress leader Shrirang Chavan who was aspiring for ticket for the by-polls played spoilsport by entering the fray as an independent.